My original plan is to hike up to Grandeur Peak but when I woke, I just wasn't feeling it. With other options limited, I decide to head up to Antelope Island to see what's been going on as it's been about a month since my last visit. It'll be just a safari day; biting gnats are in season now.
As I cross the causeway, the water levels appear to be rising. Hopefully, that's a fact and Farmington Bay is actually getting of that snow melt.
Lots of gulls and swallows flying.
I also see Avocets and lots of Grebes.
When I reach the island, I head south towards the Ranch stopping at the viewpoint where I see a couple of bison.
Farther down the road, I see 5 bison on the dry lake bed. (I bet trying to keep away from those biting gnats.) At first I didn't see them at first, but there's 5 pronghorn not too far away from them!
Continuing on, just before the Frary Peak road, I see a group of bison in the green grasses on the lake bed. As I roll up passing a large rock formation, I pass a Willet. Luckily, no one is behind me so I back up for a better look.
Not much farther down the road, deer sighting!!
It isn't until after the Frary Homestead when I see a large Mom/baby bison herd ahead. As I near, I notice dots on the lake bed. Pronghorn!!
As I start to move forward, I turn to my right and spot a lone Pronghorn just up the hillside from me. He starts running towards me and then veers off to the right. Cool!
I move forward and take a long distance look at the large bison herd.
Moving on towards the Ranch, I see another large Mom/baby bison herd just south of the Ranch. I'm hoping the dirt road is open so I can get closer. Nope, still closed. Guess, I'll check on the Great Horned Owl and hopefully get closer to see the herd.
I reach the wooded area. It's going to be hard to find the owl today as all of the leaves are now out. I start around the loop, looking up for any sign of the Owl. The last time, I was here I saw a male and the DNR/volunteers indicated that there was no sign of a female yet. Disappointing because this will be the 1st time in 7 years with no baby Great Horned Owls.
I reach the meadow and notice that the grass is mowed out thru the meadow to the fence. I never remember them doing that before. But I follow because it gets me closer to the bison. And I'm still looking for the Owl. I reach the fence
and stop to look at the bison.
As I start back, I once again pass a dead tree but this time I spot the Owl!! Yea!
I complete the loop around the forested area, seeing a Large Marble
and a Painted Lady.
The gate to the wetland was open so I went out for a peek.
Many Kildeer out here all sounding their alarm cries.
I need to leave them in peace.
Time to head north - and time to look for the other owls at Antelope Island - the Burrowing Owls. They are back; the Island's Facebook posted a photo the other day.
On the way back north, I pass the 1st large Mom/baby herd (the Pronghorn are still laying on the lake bed).
Continuing on, I see something moving north on the lake bed - it's Coyote! He stops at a puddle for a drink
before continuing to another puddle. I watch as he's digging in the water. Not sure why
but eventually stops digging to relieve himself.
At the Frary Peak road, I see a hawk flying (Northern Harrier I think).
Moving on, I find a lone deer in the grasses across from the White Rock ridge.
I stop to look at that first group of bison/pronghorn again. Oh my, there's a baby in that herd. Why is there a Mom & baby with 4 male bison? Why is she not with the herd?
(I stop at the Visitor's Center and ask a DNR guy. He indicated that a lone cow with calf is an unusual occurrence - as I thought - and could not offer and explanation. Hmm) When I look at those first pictures, there is a little blob on the lake bed that would be the baby. Perhaps she had the baby later than the rest of the herd. He looks a bit tiny. And used the males as protection. Just a guess.
I head uphill towards the 1st overlook. Hey, there's a Turkey Vulture flying overhead!
I driving slow on the uphill because I found a Burrowing Owl here last year. And surprise, he's back!!!
When I reach the north end of the island, I have 2 more Burrowing Owl stops to make. The first, under the Bison Point road, is empty.
But the 2nd behind the Visitor's Center, success!!
Incredible day! So glad I didn't feel like hiking. (The only bad part is that I did get bit up just watching animals from rolled down car windows - nasty gnats.)
